A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Haifa vs. Kobe for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Kobe?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Kobe. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Haifa or Kobe?

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Haifa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Haifa and Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Haifa $74
    Kobe $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Haifa $148
    Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Haifa or Kobe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Haifa


Hotels in Kobe


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Haifa Hotel Prices and Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Haifa $4.93
    Kobe $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
  • Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
  • Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $240
  • Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kobe: $183
  • Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163

Is it cheaper to fly into Haifa or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe and Haifa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Haifa $44
    Kobe $30
Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
  • One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Haifa $5.68
    Kobe $23

Tours and Activities in Haifa

For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
  • Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
  • From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Guided Tour: $1,300
  • From Tel Aviv: Northern Israel Coast Private Tour: $999
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
  • Haifa Private Tour: $160
  • Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255

Tours and Activities in Kobe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.

  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $168
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $134
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $167
  • A Tour to Learn all about the international port city, Kobe!: $153
  • Cruise Stop-Over: Explore The City From Kobe Port: $238
  • Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $136
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $149
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
  • Himeji and Private Guided 1 Day Tour: $228
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
  • KOBE Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]: $282
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Haifa $13
    Kobe $8.56

Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:

  • 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
  • Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Haifa and Kobe, we can see that Haifa is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Haifa is in Middle East and Kobe is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Haifa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Haifa than you might in Kobe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Haifa Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Haifa or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Haifa. When comparing the sizes of Haifa and Kobe, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Haifa or Kobe?

Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Haifa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Haifa or Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa year-round. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.

In July, Haifa is generally around the same temperature as Kobe. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Haifa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Haifa usually receives less rain than Kobe. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Haifa 27°C (81°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Kobe. Haifa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Haifa is a little warmer than Kobe in the autumn. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Haifa this time of the year. In the autumn, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Haifa usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Haifa 24°C (75°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Haifa is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the winter temperatures in Haifa in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Kobe averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Haifa. In January, Haifa usually receives more rain than Kobe. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Haifa 14°C (57°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Haifa during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kobe for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Haifa is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 19°C (66°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the spring, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Haifa usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Haifa 19°C (66°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Haifa

Haifa Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)